Stranger Things Matt Duffer Reveals David Harbour Wasn’t Their First Choice for Hopper
David Harbour has become synonymous with Jim Hopper, but the creators of ‘Stranger Things’ initially considered other actors for the role. In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, Matt and Ross Duffer discussed the early casting process for the Netflix phenomenon, revealing that Harbour was not their first choice.
The discussion arose after Harbour submitted a pre-recorded question, asking the Duffers to clarify how he secured the role. The actor humorously speculated that he might have been the “second choice” or even the “third choice” for Hopper and was curious about who declined the part before him.
Matt Duffer confirmed that actor Billy Crudup was originally at the top of their list. “It was Billy Crudup,” he stated during the interview. “Everything happens for a reason, right? Once it kind of clicks into place.” According to Matt, Crudup opted out of the role due to his limited television work at that time.
Josh Horowitz speculated that Josh Brolin might have been the Duffers’ first choice, but they quickly dismissed that idea. They explained that everything changed once Harbour auditioned.
Ross Duffer mentioned that one of the casting directors recommended Harbour for the role, and after viewing his audition tape, the decision was clear. “He came and read and he just did one take,” Ross explained. “We weren’t even there, we just saw the tape, and it was just so clear instantly: this is Hopper.”
That audition turned out to be a pivotal moment in the series’ casting history. Harbour has portrayed Hopper throughout all five seasons of ‘Stranger Things’, becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters. His dynamic with Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers and Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven has been central to the emotional depth of the series.
The interview also offered fans an intriguing glimpse into how ‘Stranger Things’ could have evolved with a different actor in the role. While Billy Crudup is currently recognized for his role in The Morning Show on Apple TV+, the Duffers emphasized that Harbour truly felt like the right choice once they witnessed his performance.
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